what makes one qualified to teach bass?

[behemecoytl]

I was approached after a show this weekend and asked if I offered lessons, which I don't. Besides 3 lessons with a teacher with impressive credentials (that frankly didn't go so well...), I am completely self-taught. It's never occurred to me to teach, because I figured I needed some univ degree in bass in order to be qualified... but it got me thinkin (and really, the need for extra money has got me thinkin) that 10+ years of personal devotion to bass might have given me some knowledge to pass on...

so I'm curious to what TBrs consider to be the qualifications of a bass teacher?

obviously, anyone can post an ad on CL offering lessons- but what really makes one prepared to accept students?

[somegeezer]

As long as you know more than your student, you can tech them it. But I've tried it and I'm just not very good at it. Maybe people learn really slow compared to me, or I'm just terrible at explaining things, but it seemed my students weren't getting anywhere. Try it out and see how far you can get them.

[bass12]

In a nutshell, knowledge, experience and the ability to transmit those two things effectively are what is required to teach bass. A degree has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not you will make a good bass teacher. It's important, I think, that you have a firm notion of what you know and what you don't, and that you be honest with yourself and your students about what you can teach them. For example, my jazz theory is for the birds. If someone asks me for lessons I tell him or her right away what I can and will teach them: basic theory, reading, practice exercises, music awareness (different styles of music), etc. I tell prospective students that if they want to learn jazz I'm not the guy, but that I can put them into contact with someone who can teach them jazz theory. If I do end up teaching someone I'm very well aware that the student might get to a point where they need more than I can give them in certain areas, and I'm fine with that (and honest about it). You don't need to "know everything" to be a good teacher. A good teacher will have no problem admitting that he doesn't know the answer to a student's question and will simply consult an appropriate source and find the answer (and sometimes have the student do this simultaneously).

[funkingroovin]

This is a very good question,and one I have asked myself repeatedly. I,too,get asked often to give lessons,and while I find it flattering,I've never considered myself qualified. I've been playing bass for about 12yrs,and it's all been self-taught. I don't read notation or tabs,couldn't tell you the difference between any scales(aside from major/minor),I have no idea how E sharp and F can live on the same fret,and come nowhere even close to achieving 'proper' finger placement/usage....but I somehow manage to be 'in demand'. Fortunately,I have an 'ear' that allows me to pick stuff up fairly easily,and I keep time like a clock.The rest is patience/practice..and practice. In the end,not having proper training myself,I can't justify accepting money for 'lessons' and just offer some tips/advice on how to clear their present obstacle,if I've had to deal with that issue before...which usually leads to more advice..which I guess by definition are 'lessons'..but still

I tend to agree with bass12 on knowledge,experience,and the ability to communicate those things to others,but should I charge others for it?

[bass12]

Originally Posted by funkingroovin

I tend to agree with bass12 on knowledge,experience,and the ability to communicate those things to others,but should I charge others for it?

It depends on how broke you are that week! I very rarely give lessons now (I'm more interested in taking lessons). More and more I find myself offering to give fellow bass enthusiasts a "condensed" lesson at no charge. If I'm just giving out some tips and "talking bass" for a couple of hours I'm happy to do that without charging for it (as long as I like the person in question). If I was to give regular lessons requiring preparation on my part and a "program of study" then I would charge.

[okcrum]

Teaching can be a good way for me to tighten up, as I actually have to know and explain how and why I do what I do, instead of just doing it. Also, I need to have my technique and theory spot on, to demonstrate usefully. I just need one good, motivated student.

IME being reluctant to teach in the past was for me like being reluctant to take that next gig with players a step up from where I was. It showed my lack of self confidence. Or lack of sufficient practice.

[funkingroovin]

Good Call,bass12. I regularly talk bass()with those asking for lessons,and honestly prefer those sessions.

[funkingroovin]

okcrum--I think you hit it on the nose with lack of confidence with my technique. My problem is my fret hand. My fingers don't move as they should,and as a result,I use only my pointer/pinky 97% of the time,with an occasional middle. FAAAAARR from proper technique,but works for me.You have no idea the amount of flak I've gotten about this,esp. from schooled musicians. Yes,I know I'm using my pinky too much,but I can't physically use 'proper' technique,so I do what works for ME. I guess I just can't see myself teaching anyone anything I can't do correctly myself..

[agreatheight]

I am a pretty good bassist, but a much better teacher (for beginners and intermediate students). I have had past experience as a corporate trainer, a college / tech school instructor, and I currently work in the education field. There is no criteria for becoming a teacher, per se, but I would suggest that you have:

1. Some Skill
2. Some Understanding
3. Some Interest

But not everyone is a good teacher, even with those prerequisites. Good teachers (imo) generally have:

1. Patience
2. Communication skills
3. Time
4. Open minds (optional, but very helpful)

Next, you'll need:

1. An ability and desire to prepare lessons, individual to each student
2. A solid point of view / approach to the instrument
3. A place to teach, or a way to set up a conductive space at students homes

And, for what it's worth, I don't teach "technique" - I think bass is too physical an instrument to assume that one technical approach to play will fit all. I show them a number of different techniques (for example, I generally play one finger per fret in the lower positions, but I don't demand any of my students use it.)

I hope this helps some.

[bass12]

Originally Posted by funkingroovin

okcrum--I think you hit it on the nose with lack of confidence with my technique. My problem is my fret hand. My fingers don't move as they should,and as a result,I use only my pointer/pinky 97% of the time,with an occasional middle. FAAAAARR from proper technique,but works for me.You have no idea the amount of flak I've gotten about this,esp. from schooled musicians. Yes,I know I'm using my pinky too much,but I can't physically use 'proper' technique,so I do what works for ME. I guess I just can't see myself teaching anyone anything I can't do correctly myself..

I had a bass teacher (at university) who took my bass from me to demonstrate something maybe twice. Besides, you know what they say: those who can't, teach.

[funkingroovin]

HAHA! Touche'

[Staccato]

You'll probably know when you are minimally qualified to attract & retain beginner students.

Intermediate & advanced students present greater challenges. The difference between teaching a metalhead (that chooses) to play by ear on bass, and a classically trained violinist to play bass present different challenges, as well.